An operations planner is involved in managing complex projects and systems and conducting many types of transportation planning analyses or studies including corridor planning, traffic operations planning, multi-modal or transit-oriented projects, or freight operations planning. An operations planner may perform transportation development planning, system and route performance analyses, operational assessments, transportation project feasibility studies, and market research for transportation projects. An operations planner might also perform field review, field data collection, site and infrastructure assessments, project finance and governance, grant initiatives, public or stakeholder outreach, and other on-site project support. An operations planner may complete assessments using analytical tools such as GIS to evaluate data, identify trends, and develop any project-related documentation.
Mid Level
Diesel Technician
Diesel mechanics or technicians are responsible for performing mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on fleet vehicles and heavy equipment in transit and freight. They are fluent in the maintenance and repair of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and diesel systems. Diesel mechanics or technicians also complete repair or service reporting, order and inventory necessary parts, fabricate necessary parts or equipment, develop and execute service or repair processes, and provide road call or emergency service calls.
Maintenance Engineer, Highway
A Highway Maintenance Engineer is responsible for determining cost-effect preventive maintenance treatments, upgrade, and repair strategies to maintain highways, bridges and roadside facilities within an assigned area of operation. This position follows state department of transportation standards and applies asset management principles to schedule and prioritize work. This position assess highway corridors holistically and programs actions through a lens of environmental stewardship, sustainability, safety, and resilience.
Other duties typically include:
- Develops and monitors maintenance budget.
- Oversees selection and maintenance of major roadway maintenance equipment.
- Responsible for landscape and vegetation management along roadways.
- Responsible for emergency response preparedness for maintenance.
- Responsible for the development, preparation, and letting of maintenance contracts for the district.
- Works with governmental officials and the public to set maintenance program goals and expectations.
- Administers and inspects contracted maintenance activities.
Transportation Planner
A Transportation Planner is committed to taking on the role of urban freight researcher who studies the operation of transportation systems implemented by an organization. On a daily basis, the analysis and compilation of data is carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented transportation models and simulations. A Transportation Planner therefore works to analyze the developmental tide of the infrastructure, and how current project models potentially can be developed to weight against local regulations. In that role, one therefore bares the responsibility of representing the administrative approval of transportation-and-land development projects carried out by an organization, to make sure that local regulations and jurisdictions on land use are being followed.
Other responsibilities typically include:
- Attend regular meetings and collaborate with engineers, public officials, and public stakeholders to resolve transportation design and environmental issues stemming from civic projects and public policies.
- Compose and summon technical reports on plans within regional and urban programs and policies.
- Monitor and assess regional/urban production.
- Supervise the work of hired consultants and interns; carry out public outreach to promote a consensual dialogue on the future development of civic projects.
Cartographer / Photogrammetrist
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes. They create maps and perform aerial surveys for governments to aid in urban and regional planning, by gathering information from geodetic surveys (land surveys that account for the curvature of the Earth’s surface) and remote-sensing systems like aerial cameras, satellites, and light-imaging detection and ranging (LIDAR) technology. Cartographers are mapmakers who design user-friendly maps. Photogrammetrists are specialized mapmakers who use various technologies to build models of the Earth’s surface and its features for the purpose of creating maps.
Other responsibilities typically include:
- Create visual representations of data, such as annual precipitation patterns.
- Examine and compile data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images.
- Prepare maps in digital or graphic form for environmental and educational purposes.
- Plan aerial and satellite surveys to ensure complete coverage of the area in question.
- Collect and analyze geographic and spatial data, such as elevation and distance.
- Develop base maps that allow for GIS data to be layered on top.
GIS Analyst
GIS Analysts use geographic information system technology to identify assets, variables, and trends in different locations. Their work involves collaborating with computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, developing web apps and tools, and integrating GIS with other technologies. GIS analysts usually work regular business hours, with occasional weekend work necessary to meet important deadlines. Some amount of travel may be required for field work. Typically more for entry-level employees, this position often does not require significant research experience, ability to do advanced programming, or higher education. The GIS analyst position is well suited to analytical thinkers who enjoy statistics and numerical data, have good communication skills, and work well as part of a team.
Other responsibilities typically include:
- Convert paper maps into GIS data sets that can be used to identify where locations have been developed.
- Manipulate and analyze geographical information to be presented in reports or presentations.
- Maintain a geographical library in accordance with the latest trends and newest information.
- Develop internet apps and tools to present GIS data on corporate websites for clients.
- Study mathematical styles used in successful GIS plans, programs, and commodities, so that they can be applied or improved upon in other applications.